Young and old bikers from the Cordillera and nearby provinces joined the first tour of fun ride for-a-cause in Besao, Mountain Province on March 4.
The youngest biker during the event where cycling enthusiasts rode through 42.2-kilometers of the scenic town proper and its outskirts was eight-year-old Jhaxia Egsaen of La Trinidad, Benguet while the oldest biker was 66-year-old Melchor Velasco of Baguio City.
The event, organized by Team Kalasag, gave special honor to oldest female biker Elizabeth Lana, 43, of Piat, Cagayan; youngest female biker Darren Mattirig of Solano, 14; and youngest finisher Sam Lestat Angcaway, 12, of Baguio City.
Jenny Vi Fontanilla of Baguio City topped the ladies open category, followed by Fenalyn Hidalgo, and Darren Mattirig both of Solano, Nueva Viscaya.
Fr. Melvin MP Odsey, dean of the Cathedral of the Resurrection in Baguio City, dominated the 50 years old and above category, followed by Martes Leo and Anthony Talusig.
Argor Joseph Velo led the 40 to 49 year old category, followed by Sonny Lamsis, and Adrian Pindasan; while Dennis Pelerio of Solano ruled the 30 to 39 group followed by Albin Victore, and Gideon Mayet-an.
Dexter Torres of Baguio City ruled the 18 to 29 group, with Jemart Apaan and Paeng Dappanan completing the podium finish, while Jemuel Lloyd Aggalao of Tabuk City ruled the 17 years old and below, followed by Amboy Morales, and Shan Kurt Lucio.
The champions per category and the special awardees received medals and cash prizes.
Bikers started at the municipal hall at Kin-iway towards Payeo going to Besao Proper then traversed Banguitan to Bunga to Catengan and made a U-turn at Panabungen.
Bikers traced back their routes to Catengan, Bunga, Banguitan, Besao Proper, Payeo, and finally rode back to Kin-iway to cross the finish line at the municipal hall.
The “Bike for St. James II” raised a total of P95,457.58 which was turned-over to St. James High School in Besao to help in the construction of its school building.
The event is backed by Glow Enterprises and the local government of Besao. – Ofelia C. Empian
